Rating: ★★ ½ Banner: Sainath Chitra Pictures. Producer:Deepak S Choudhary, Prakash A. Jadhav Director:Prakash jadhav Music:Shreerang Aras Camera:Unmesh Kabare Cast: Bharat Jadhav, Prasad Oak, Nisha Parulekar, Reema Lagoo, Mr. Sachin Pilgaonkar, Manasi Magikar, Anand Abhyankar, Sneha Raikar, Nirmala Kotnis, Sanjay Desai, Satish Pulekar, Yogesh Mahajan and child artiste Indrajeet More. Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

The best way to defeat darkness is to display the brighter side of yourself. Latest released Marathi film ‘Aamhi Chamakte Taare’ deals with one such social issue, which is so relevant today, to create awareness in the society. The film revolves around a 4th standard student Sachin( Indrajeet More) , who is adopted by a well to do couple- Sameer and Sonali ( Prasad Oak & Nisha Parulekar).It so happens that five years after their marriage, the happily married couple come to know that Sonali cannot give birth to a child. So, on the advice of a family friend and neighbor, Dr. Vinay( Yogesh Mahajan) who is a Gynecologist, they adopt a few months old child; whose parents have passed away. When this bright boy Sachin, while studying in 4th standard in a good school from Mumbai, faints on two occasions; he is tested +ve for HIV during investigations. The parents hide this reality from the boy and his old grandparents.

The trouble begins when during the annual medical camp in his school, the parents are called by the school principal( Reema Lagoo) to inform the parents, who are already aware of the ailment of Sachin. Though the principal, the class teacher and the School Peon – Ganpat mama are sympathetic towards the child and prefer to remain silent on this issue; the news leaks through other teaching staff. The parents of other children then object to Sachin’s presence in school.

The little child, who is looking for friends, is then admitted to a special school for such children, where he finds real happiness. Through this school, he takes part in the Inter School Music competition hosted by his previous school; where he wins the hearts of all his old friends, including the Judge of the competition Mr. Sachin Pilgaonkar Mr. Sachin Pilgaonkar. The film’s story which is originally written by Anant Sutar has been expanded by Deepak S Chaudhary on the direction of Editing specialist Prakash Jadhav.

The well presented screenplay of this film, goes on to convey a timely message to the society, to change their outlook towards such HIV affected children. Meaningful lyrics, supported by good music from Shrirang Aras, makes this film musical, besides its thought provoking subject. Child artist Indrajeet More, who plays the role of little Sachin, has played his role remarkably well. Prasad Oak and Nisha Parulekar play perfect understanding parents. Both of them have expressed their emotions clearly, through their spontaneous expressions, with every scene they have faced.

The film is a tribute to Anand Abhyankar, who passed away recently, in an unfortunate car accident. In the role of a concerned and caring grandfather, he has clearly displayed that the Marathi film industry has lost a talented actor. In fact, the very first scene of the film, opens with him. Manasi Magikar supports well as his wife. In the role of Principal, Reema Lagoo does well, while Sneha Raikar, the popular kind hearted Mother and Mother in law of Marathi small screen, plays the role of an encouraging class teacher with ease. In the character of Ganpat mama, the school peon, Bharat Jadhav impresses in all those emotion filled scenes. Others in the supporting cast, including a big team of children, have given natural performances.

Director himself being an editor, the film’s climax has been restricted to minimum time to avoid this otherwise time consuming competition. He has rather focused his attention more on the main subject. The only drawback is one song picturised on the family doctor- friend and his wife in the beginning of the film, which looks inappropriate. Otherwise, the film has succeeded in educating the masses through its sensible subject.